One of the most scenic and charming island groups in
Southeast Asia is the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago. Comprising more
than 800 tropical islands scattered over an area of some ten
thousand square miles in the Andaman Sea off the south west coast of
Myanmar. It is home to Salons, sea gypsies.

Myeik (Mergui) Archipelagos are famous for its
crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches, limestone cliffs and
the lucrative business of pearl fishing. Due to the insecure
situation of the region, it has for long been off-limits for
foreigners until 1997. This is changing, now Myeik (Mergui)
Archipelago can easily be reached from both Kawthaung (Myanmar)
the southern tip of Myanmar and Ranong (Thailand).

Kawthaung is in the southernmost part of Myanmar.
During British rule in Burma, it was known as Victoria Point. The
favourite for tourists and fortune riskers is Andaman Club Resort
Hotel located on Thahtay Kyun Island about half an hour trip by boat
from Kawthaung or Ranong. The club is famous for casino gambling,
the only one international gambling places of Myanmar on the Andaman
side. Not far from the town, there are Kayin Kwa and other such as
Myauk Ni and Salone Islands, a part of Mergui Archipelago, they are
good places for diving, and other sea activities since the place can
be regard as still virgin since not much disturbed by outside
environments. Nearby Kawthung has a small water fall and hot spring
at Maliwun Village 24 miles north from the town. Nowadays it can be
reached within half an hour by car with a good paved road.

Kyaing Ton (Keng Tong) is the capital of Eastern
Shan State and known as a treasure trove of traditional architecture
with old-style houses with intricately designed wooden balconies so
characteristic of Shan architecture. This out of the way region is
rich in culture, breathtaking scenery and friendly people.Our
company will enjoy taking you shopping in the market that is held
every five days. You’ll get a chance to watch the pros bargain and
then get to try a bit of haggling on your own.

The temperature seems to rise to nearly 100 F
during the hot weather, falling 30 or more during the night. In
the cold weather a temperature of 40 F. or a few degrees more or
less appears to be the lowest experienced. The plain in which
the capital stands has an altitude of 3000 ft.

Our company offers you the adventure of a
lifetime when we take you trekking to several hill tribe
villages to see the different customs each tribe practices. The
well-known tribes of Kyaing Ton that our company enjoys good
relationships with are the Akha, Ann and Palaung. Please don’t
be worried as it’s not a strenuous hike to meet these friendly
people. Our company provides you with transportation to the
hiking trail and with lots of drinking water and porters to
carry your knick knacks and cameras

To take advantage of all this area has to offer
Eastward recommends you spend at least two or three days. The
highlights are Maha Muni Temple, Wat Phrathadjonkham, Wat Inn and
the central market of Kyaing Ton. May we also suggest a pleasant
evening walk around the lake of Naung Ton and a sunset viewing from
Lone Tree Hill.

Although just 5m across the river
from Mae Sai, the most northern town in Thailand, Tachileik is in a
whole different world. The happy outgoing atmosphere that you have
been used to in 'the land of smiles' in Thailand evaporates
instantly and is replaced by a slightly uptight one. This is not to
say that the Burmese people are not welcoming, indeed they love
tourists and are very keen to sit down and talk (when they think
they are not being watched), but do not expect to feel at ease here,
and do not be surprised if you are followed by government people
throughout the town. As long as your purposes are legitimate, you
follow local rules and customs and you don't go around making a
spectacle of yourself, you will have a great time in Tachileik and
the boarder area of Burma. The town is a typical border trading town
with a twist.

The majority of people crossing over
to Myanmar are Thais shopping for bootlegged Chinese goods in the
market. Alternatively some Thais cross to play golf on the only
course in the region so expect to see the very surreal site of large
groups of people crossing the border carrying a set of clubs. There
is also a small casino in Tachileik catering even to 'low' rollers.
You may even find a 10 baht roulette table.

If you are expecting to see 'the
real Myanmar' this is not the place to do it. If you are 'Stamp
collecting' in your passport, want to see something a bit more
visceral than what you find in Thailand or are at a loose end in
Chiang Rai for the day then this is a good place to go. The great
thing about visiting here is the ease of entry to the border area,
getting another stamp in your passport and getting a flavour of life
in Myanmar.

Myitkyina is the principal city of Kachin State and
commercial hub of the north. The sightseeing Myitkyina including
Sutaungpyi pagoda and reclining Buddha, Andawshin pagoda, Cultural
Museum (displaying varities of 6 Kachin ethnic groups and their
traditions & Cultural heritages) and Kachin “Manao” garden.

Other highlights are visit colourful Myitkyina
local market with full of activities and Myit Sone; the Nmaikha
and Malihka Rivers rushing down from Mt.Hkakabo Razi meet and
flow together, thus forming the famous Ayeyarwaddy River.If
possible, visit Tan Phe village to see the elephants lugging
teak wood.

Also visit Jaw Bun Tower which is built to
commemorate the hundred anniversary of the introduction of Christian
in Kachin State and built on a hillock and a nice sport to enjoy the
sunset. Karein New Resort (the first Parliament member Du Wa
Kareinaw’s private resort so called the name Kareinaw Resort) and
village of local.

Putao is a town amidst the U shape mountain rage and
situated far north of Myanmar in Kachin State is famous for Myanmar
snow capped icy mountains which are the descendent from eastern
Himalayan region. Putao was once known as FORT HERTZ, in honor of
the British District, Capt. Hertz. The original fort building still
can be seen. The local tribes who live in this area are of Tibetan
extraction of Rawan, Lisu, Tai Hkamti, include last remaining member
of the Tarong tribe. Visit to Kaung Hum Lon pagoda, the Ancient
Pagoda built by King Asoka, on route visit Ser Khuan Dam, a Rawang
Village and proceed to pagoda by barge across the Malikha River and
walk.

On the northern coast near the Bangladesh border,
Sittwe is originally built by British in 1826. The town is most
popular sites include the Payagyi Pagoda, the Rakhine State Cultural
Museum, Payamya Monastery and the riverfront market. It's the best
place to buy Arakanese longyis.

The ruins of Mrauk-U are located up the Kaladan
River about 80km north of Sittwe, the present day capital of Rakhine
State. It was an ancient capital founded by Rakhine King Minzawmun
in 1433 A.D.Unlike the temples of Bagan, Mrauk's U ruins are
constructed with stone rather than the traditional bricks in a truly
unique style.

Nat Ma Taung (or) Mount Victoria, national park is
located in Kanpet-let, Mindut and Matupi townships of southern Chin
State. It covers an area of 279 square miles and is established in
1994. The Mountain is about 320 miles from Yangon to Bagan-Nyaung Oo
, by flight , Bagan-Nyaung Oo to Chauk, 18 miles by car, Chauk via
Seikpyu to Hsaw, 68 miles by car and Hsaw to Kan-pet-let, 12 miles
by car or Hsaw to Mindut, 42 miles by car. Nat Ma mountain national
park preserve rare species of Myanmar Orchids. Preserving to educate
local people to shift from practicing shifting cultivation to
cultivating perennial plants and trees to promote and upgrade the
park as an ecotourism attraction, to attract tourists with water
rafting and rapid-shooting during the rainy season while the river
flow is rapid. Forest include hill evergreen forests, moist upper
mixed deciduous forests, pine forests (above 9000 feet) and hill
savannah, Mammals such as tiger, bear, wild boar, leopard, goar,
serow, gibbon and 159 bird species, reptiles and butterfly are
present. Education and prohibiting of shifting cultivation in the
protected areas.Inventory of forest flora.Study and research on bird
species and their natural habitats.Establishment of modern Forest
Village with the assistance of people to initiate a permanent
Taungya planning system with perennial plants. Conducting a field
survey and inventory to promote and upgrade the park for ecotourism
industry. Participation in organized Orchid Tours where the most
attractive Myanmar Orchids exist.Observing the traditional and
cultural heritage of Chin people and their living systems.